DARE TO CREATE
OLDHAM ARTS FESTIVAL
SMOKE & MIRRORS
BY JAKE TALBOT
1853 Studios - Mill 2
WEDNESDAY 27th & THURSDAY 28th
7:30pm
All Frankie wants to do, is make great art, but what does it take to make great art? Can you be happy and make great art, do you have to have experienced trauma to make great art? Over the course of three exhibitions, Frankie discovers the reality of the art world as she struggles to juggle all aspects of her life.
Written by
JAKE TALBOT
Jake Talbot is a playwright and actor from Oldham, Manchester. Jake began his career as an by starring as the lead role in Welsh drama ‘Rocket Boys’ (2012) directed by BAFTA nominee James Button. The film screened around the world including at ‘Festival de Cannes’. He went on to win Best Actor at ‘ScreenTest Film Festival’ and was nominated in the same year at ‘St. Albans Film Festival’.
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Jake has been working professionally and frequently in the industry for almost 15 years, in Radio, Television and Theatre.
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Jake is a Bruntwood Prize Long-Listed & Theatre503 International Playwriting Award Long-Listed playwright, his writing journey began with 'Drowning' a semi-autobiographical one-man play. Drowning has led to a string of ten plays to date, performed up and down the country
Directed by
MIRANDA PARKER
As a director, I consider myself first and foremost a storyteller, adept at crafting compelling narratives through a blend of visual, auditory, and emotional elements. With a passion for ensemble collaboration, I thrive on orchestrating the synergy of diverse talents to bring stories to life. My directing experience spans across all age groups, from seasoned professionals to newcomers, each encounter offering unique opportunities for growth and creative expression.
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My approach to directing is centered around empowering individuals to surpass their own expectations, fostering an environment of encouragement and support that enables performers to reach new heights. Whether working with highly trained professionals or individuals taking their first steps onto the stage, I prioritize creating a safe and inspiring rehearsal space where every voice is valued and nurtured.
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I have a strong affinity for new writing, collaborating closely with playwrights to ensure that the vibrant worlds they've envisioned on the page translate seamlessly to the stage, captivating audiences with authenticity and resonance. Through my dedication to storytelling and commitment to fostering artistic excellence, I strive to leave a lasting impact on both the productions I helm and the individuals with whom I collaborate.
THE CAST
ELEANOR PRESTWICH
'Frankie'
Born and bred in Oldham Edge, Eleanor has studied and performed theatre in and around her hometown since being 13 years old. Els undertook Theatre training at Oldham College and continued with AMATA at Falmouth University where her passion for creating performance was nurtured. Since graduating she has acted on screen in various student projects, Sci-fi feature film Nightlens (2021) and newly released music video for artist; Lepani (Feel It). Eleanor has also modelled since being 16 and is currently represented by Manchester Agency; Vauhaus.
Eleanor is currently writing her own play and has recently co-directed Two2 (Cartwright) but her one true love is acting on stage; in the past 2 years playing the role of Bella in Gaslight (Hamilton) and performing Beryl (Maxine Peake) both at Shaw Playhouse 2.
Eleanor will be performing in the upcoming season at Oldham Lyceum and Millgate Theatre.
ISABEL FORD
'Denise'
Isabel trained at Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama.
She recently played Shirley Holmes in Birmingham Stage's production 'Horrible Christmass' which she will reprise in November. She also played Granny in their 2022 national tour of Gangster Granny.
Other theatre credits include Whisky Galore (Oldham Coliseum, Hull Truck and New Vic), Hard Times, Spring and Port Wine, Brassed Off, David Copperfield, Ken and Accidental Death of an Anarchist (Oldham Coliseum), Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis (Bolton Octagon and Hull Truck), Alfie (Bolton Octagon and New Vic), Mother F (Articulate Elbow), The Witches (Birmingham Rep West End and Tour), Millennium Mysteries (Teatro Biurio Podrozy), The Twits, 101 Dalmatians, Rumplestiltskin, The Mysteries, (Belgrade Theatre and Macnas), The Orchestra, (Southwark Playhouse).
Film and TV Credits include Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger (BBC), Emmerdale (ITV), Coronation Street (ITV), Hollyoaks (Lime Pictures), Bodyfarm (BBC) and Worried About the Boy (Red Prods).
TOM SULLIVAN
'James'
Tom is a proud Mancunian & graduate of The Oxford School of Drama. Before drama school he worked with the illustrious acting practitioner, David Johnson, an individual who made a tremendous impact on his craft and is sorely missed.
Theatre:
Vardy V Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial - West End debut at The Ambassadors
The Tree for You & Me - The Royal Exchange Theatre
Trespass - Jermyn Street Theatre
Film
Shooting Clerks - The Kevin Smith Bipoic
LAURA PERCIVAL
'Valerie'
Laura trained at The Oxford School of Drama. Since graduating in 2020, she has built a body of experience across stage and screen, appearing in several short films and working on stages across the UK. Her theatre credits include tours with Theatre Royal Bath (THE HOMECOMING) and HER Productions (MACBETH). Laura is interested in art that explores social justice causes, intergenerational stories, and the human experience. As well as acting, she writes poetry & scripts.
